China’s leaders are meeting this week to set the country’s long-term goals. An important element of the process will be the country’s next Five-Year Plan (FYP), which provides a roadmap and window into China’s vision for itself and its economy. This year’s FYP is particularly significant for the world because it will explain how the Chinese government plans to reach its newly announced target of zero net carbon emissions by 2060. Previous plans have emphasized the need for China to promote technology innovation self-sufficiency including in the important area of energy as well as to set targets for non-fossil energy, energy efficiency, coal caps, and carbon intensity. New energy technology, including electric and automated cars, renewable energy, and batteries, featured widely in China 2025, the country’s widely disseminated industrial plan. China’s 12th FYP targeted new energy vehicles as one of seven strategic industries, allocating billions of dollars to their development and promotion.
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